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Two people accuse Epstein of sexual conduct at Michigan fine arts school

Two people accuse Epstein of sexual conduct at Michigan fine arts school

July 29, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Two people who attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan reported inappropriate sexual behavior by Jeffrey Epstein, a former donor to the school. An investigation also found many allegations of sexual abuse by nearly 50 staff members going back decades at the school.

Key Facts

  • Interlochen Center for the Arts runs a performing arts school and summer camp with students from around the world.
  • The school hired a law firm in 2024 to investigate sexual abuse reports by faculty and staff.
  • The investigation expanded to include allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, who donated over $400,000 to Interlochen between 1990 and 2003.
  • Epstein attended the school as a camper in 1967 and had a lodge named after him, later renamed and demolished.
  • Two women said Epstein behaved sexually inappropriately toward them during their time connected to the school.
  • The investigation collected 70 accounts from alumni alleging sexual misconduct by 47 faculty or staff members from the 1950s to 2010s.
  • Interlochen gave the names of accused individuals to local authorities for review; none currently work at the school.
  • School leaders apologized and said they have since changed policies to improve safety for students.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Cornyn cancels meeting with Blanche ahead of key committee vote on AG nomination

Cornyn cancels meeting with Blanche ahead of key committee vote on AG nomination

July 29, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

Senator John Cornyn canceled a meeting with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche before a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche’s nomination. Cornyn wants clearer, written proof that a fund linked to President Donald Trump’s IRS settlement will be ended and that IRS audits on Trump and his associates will be limited.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Cornyn canceled a meeting with Todd Blanche one day before a committee vote on Blanche’s AG nomination.
  • Cornyn’s main concerns involve President Donald Trump’s settlement with the IRS.
  • The Department of Justice created a $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” connected to the settlement, which Blanche called “dead” during his hearing.
  • Cornyn wants proof in writing that the fund will be formally rescinded.
  • The DOJ provided drafts rescinding the fund but did not offer changes related to limiting IRS audits on Trump and his associates.
  • Cornyn says the DOJ has not provided satisfactory documents that meet his requests.
  • Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General depends on support from senators like Cornyn.
  • The dispute involves issues of government oversight and trust regarding enforcement actions connected to President Trump.
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ABC News
DoorDash expands beyond drivers with new drone delivery program

DoorDash expands beyond drivers with new drone delivery program

July 29, 2026 • Technology • The Hill

Summary

DoorDash is starting a new program to deliver items using drones. Right now, drone delivery works in some areas of Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte.

Key Facts

  • DoorDash is using drones to deliver packages.
  • The drone delivery service is active in parts of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
  • It is also available in some areas of Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • This program is an expansion beyond DoorDash’s usual driver-based deliveries.
  • The drones increase delivery options beyond traditional methods.
  • The program is part of DoorDash's effort to use new technology for deliveries.
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The Hill
Customize Ars your way with an Ars Pro subscription

Customize Ars your way with an Ars Pro subscription

July 29, 2026 • Technology • Ars Technica

Summary

Ars Technica offers a subscription called Ars Pro that lets readers customize how they view news articles on the site. Subscribers can choose different layouts, filter topics, and enjoy an ad-free experience with extra features like full-text RSS feeds and access to forums.

Key Facts

  • Ars Pro subscribers can pick from different page layouts, including classic and minimalist styles.
  • Customization options include filtering topics and adjusting the text layout.
  • Subscribers get an ad-free and tracker-free browsing experience.
  • Full-text RSS feeds are available only to subscribers.
  • Subscribers gain access to special forums and receive user badges.
  • An Ars Pro membership costs $25, while Ars Pro++ costs $50.
  • The article encourages users to set Ars Technica as a preferred news source on Google to support the site amid traffic drops caused by AI-generated summaries.
  • The subscription helps support Ars Technica’s journalism at a challenging time.
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Ars Technica
Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

July 29, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

A new U.S. study shows that serious mold infections may be more common and dangerous than previously known. Researchers found about 450 cases in hospitals near Atlanta over five years, with about one-third of those patients dying in the hospital.

Key Facts

  • The study was done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Invasive mold infections can be life-threatening, especially for older people and those with weak immune systems.
  • Researchers looked at hospital data from 2020 to 2024 in the Atlanta area.
  • They found about 450 confirmed cases out of nearly 1,000 possible ones initially identified.
  • Hospitals can expect 3 to 5 mold infection cases per 100 inpatient beds each year.
  • Mold infections often affect people weakened by conditions like COVID-19 or cancer.
  • Mold exposure risks may increase due to climate change and natural disasters like floods and hurricanes.
  • The study results provide a new estimate but may not apply the same way in other parts of the country.
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AP News
Charlie Kirk killing suspect awaits trial decision from judge

Charlie Kirk killing suspect awaits trial decision from judge

July 29, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

Tyler Robinson is waiting for a judge’s decision on whether he will stand trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors say there is enough evidence for a trial and plan to seek the death penalty. The case involves video evidence and witness statements.

Key Facts

  • Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk with a rifle shot at a rally in Utah on September 10, 2025.
  • Prosecutors say the evidence clearly supports moving forward to a trial.
  • The judge’s decision is expected after a hearing scheduled for September 1, 2026.
  • Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder and firearm offenses.
  • Videos allegedly show Robinson on the roof where the shot was fired.
  • Robinson's roommate said Robinson confessed to the killing in messages and in person.
  • Defense attorneys have until August 11, 2026, to submit arguments.
  • Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty in this case.
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ABC News
Greene, Brian Glenn marry in Vegas

Greene, Brian Glenn marry in Vegas

July 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia, married conservative commentator Brian Glenn in Las Vegas. The wedding took place at the Bellagio Hotel and was shared by Greene on social media.

Key Facts

  • Marjorie Taylor Greene was formerly a U.S. Representative from Georgia.
  • Brian Glenn is a conservative commentator.
  • The couple married on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
  • Their wedding was held at the Bellagio Hotel.
  • Greene posted about the wedding on the social media platform X.
  • The post included photos from the wedding.
  • Family members were present for the ceremony.
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The Hill
WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham returns home for South Carolina funeral

WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham returns home for South Carolina funeral

July 29, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham was honored with funeral ceremonies in South Carolina, where he was remembered as a hardworking public servant dedicated to his state. Earlier, leaders including President Donald Trump spoke of him as a persistent dealmaker.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham returned to South Carolina for his funeral.
  • The ceremonies were streamed by South Carolina ETV.
  • President Donald Trump and Vice President others praised Graham in a funeral service in Washington, D.C.
  • Graham was remembered as a hardworking and tireless politician.
  • Friends and colleagues recalled his deep connections throughout South Carolina.
  • He supported Republican candidates with funding in state and local elections.
  • Former Representative Trey Gowdy described Graham’s humble beginnings as the son of pool hall owners.
  • Graham knew many local officials and community locations in South Carolina.
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PBS NewsHour
Hackers steal sensitive data from Department for Education and police

Hackers steal sensitive data from Department for Education and police

July 29, 2026 • Technology • Guardian World

Summary

Hackers stole over 740,000 pieces of data from the UK's Department for Education (DfE) and a police legal database. The stolen information includes contact details of officials, school and university staff, police officers, and members of the public. The hacking group called ExfilSquad is demanding payment to stop leaking the data.

Key Facts

  • More than 600,000 data lines were taken from the DfE’s help-desk portal, including names, emails, phone numbers, and job titles.
  • A smaller amount of data was stolen from the DfE’s Turing portal, which manages a study abroad scheme.
  • The police national legal database (PNLD) was also hacked, exposing about 135,000 pieces of data mainly about police officers and criminal justice workers.
  • Some public members’ names and addresses were taken from the Ask the Police service, but no confidential victim or offender info was exposed.
  • The hackers, calling themselves ExfilSquad, posted samples of the stolen data online to pressure the victims to pay a ransom.
  • The DfE and PNLD deny that ransomware was used to lock their systems.
  • The stolen PNLD data includes passwords, which raises concerns about password reuse on more sensitive systems.
  • The UK government is working with cybersecurity agencies to investigate and respond to the attack.
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Guardian World
Why are airlines banning humanoid robots from flights?

Why are airlines banning humanoid robots from flights?

July 29, 2026 • Technology • CBS News

Summary

Several airlines, including Southwest, United, and Delta, have banned humanoid and animal-like robots from flights and checked luggage due to safety concerns related to their batteries. These robots often use lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire risks if damaged or mishandled.

Key Facts

  • Southwest Airlines banned robots on flights in May, citing battery safety issues.
  • United Airlines started a similar ban on July 23, applying to robots in cabins and checked bags.
  • Delta Air Lines also prohibits robotic devices with large lithium batteries that exceed safety limits.
  • The bans are precautionary measures, not responses to specific incidents.
  • Humanoid robots mostly use lithium-ion batteries, which can be dangerous if they explode.
  • Some experts recognize the bans help safety but also note the challenge for researchers needing to transport robots.
  • JetBlue and American Airlines have not yet imposed bans or commented on the issue.
  • Airlines want to keep passengers and crew safe by limiting new technology that may pose risks.
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CBS News
Al-Shabab kills five Kenyan security personnel in ambush

Al-Shabab kills five Kenyan security personnel in ambush

July 29, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Five Kenyan security officers were killed near the Somalia border in Mandera county during an ambush by the armed group al-Shabab. The attack included gunfire on a patrol and a roadside bomb targeting reinforcements, highlighting ongoing violence in the region linked to al-Shabab’s efforts to pressure Kenya.

Key Facts

  • Five Kenyan security personnel died in an ambush near the Somalia border in Mandera county.
  • The attack involved gunfire on a Special Operations Group patrol and a roadside bomb on reinforcements.
  • Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack through its media outlet.
  • The group has carried out multiple recent attacks in northeastern Kenya, especially around Mandera.
  • Al-Shabab is linked to al-Qaeda and controls parts of southern and central Somalia.
  • Kenyan forces have been fighting al-Shabab since entering Somalia in 2011.
  • A recent report showed Mandera county had 38 terror-related incidents in one year, the highest in the northeast region.
  • The U.S. recently announced cuts to funding for the African Union mission supporting Somalia’s army against al-Shabab.
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Al Jazeera
Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll case

Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll case

July 29, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overturn an $83.3 million defamation judgment won by writer E. Jean Carroll. This follows an earlier $5 million damages award against him for sexual abuse and defamation in separate civil trials.

Key Facts

  • Two civil federal trials in 2023 and 2024 ruled Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against E. Jean Carroll.
  • Carroll accused Trump of assaulting her in the 1990s and defaming her after she made the abuse public in 2019.
  • Trump denied the allegations and claimed he never met Carroll.
  • The $83.3 million judgment relates to defamation statements Trump made while in office, including calling Carroll a "whack job."
  • Trump's lawyers argue he has presidential immunity for statements made while acting as a federal employee.
  • The Justice Department supports Trump's request for Supreme Court review, citing the Westfall Act, which protects federal employees from personal liability for official actions.
  • Lower courts have rejected Trump's attempts to overturn the judgments so far.
  • Carroll has received $5.6 million from the earlier case; the $83.3 million award is held in a court account pending further decisions.
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CBS News
Obama's Chances of Beating Donald Trump in Three Races

Obama's Chances of Beating Donald Trump in Three Races

July 29, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have endorsed opposing candidates in three key races for the 2026 midterm elections in Iowa and Texas. These races will show how much each leader influences their party’s voters and whether Democrats can win back support in these traditionally Republican states.

Key Facts

  • Obama has backed three candidates: Josh Turek (Iowa Senate), James Talarico (Texas Senate), and Gina Hinojosa (Texas governor).
  • Trump has endorsed their Republican opponents: Ashley Hinson (Iowa Senate), Ken Paxton (Texas Senate), and Greg Abbott (Texas governor).
  • Trump won Iowa and Texas by large margins in the 2024 presidential election.
  • Democrats believe economic issues and Trump’s lower approval rating may help them compete in these states.
  • Polls show close races in Iowa between Trump-backed Hinson and Obama-backed Turek.
  • Obama’s endorsement video featured him praising Turek’s character and ability to win.
  • The Republican National Committee praised Trump’s endorsement record, noting a 99% success rate.
  • Democrats are also campaigning actively in Texas, hoping to flip the state in 2026.
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Newsweek
Obama endorses Iowa Democrat Josh Turek for Senate

Obama endorses Iowa Democrat Josh Turek for Senate

July 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Obama endorsed Josh Turek, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Iowa. Turek shared a short video featuring a basketball shooting game with Obama to promote his campaign.

Key Facts

  • President Obama publicly supports Josh Turek for Iowa’s Senate seat.
  • Josh Turek is the Democratic nominee in the upcoming Senate race in Iowa.
  • Turek is a state representative in Iowa.
  • The campaign video features a basketball game called IOWA, similar to the game HORSE.
  • Josh Turek was born with spina bifida, a condition affecting his spine.
  • The video was posted on YouTube to help promote Turek’s campaign.
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The Hill
'Blood everywhere' - Lindsay Clancy's ex-husband recounts day of children's deaths

'Blood everywhere' - Lindsay Clancy's ex-husband recounts day of children's deaths

July 29, 2026 • Us • BBC US

Summary

Patrick Clancy, the ex-husband of Lindsay Clancy, testified about the day in January 2023 when their three children were found dead in their Massachusetts home. Lindsay Clancy, who is on trial for their murder, jumped out of a window with serious injuries after the incident and claims she was suffering from psychosis.

Key Facts

  • Lindsay Clancy is charged with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her children: Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (8 months).
  • Patrick Clancy found the house unusually quiet and the bedroom locked when he returned home with food.
  • He saw blood in the bedroom and found Lindsay outside with deep cuts on her wrists and a mark on her neck after she jumped from the second floor.
  • Lindsay allegedly strangled the children using exercise bands in the basement.
  • Patrick Clancy attempted CPR on the children until emergency services arrived.
  • Lindsay’s defense says she had psychosis and heard a voice telling her to kill the children.
  • Lindsay Clancy is currently in a wheelchair due to injuries from her fall and has pleaded not guilty.
  • The trial is ongoing, with prosecutors presenting evidence and witness testimonies; Lindsay faces life in prison if convicted.
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BBC US
Chicago’s Infamous Rat Problem Won’t Go Away Under Current Plan, Audit Finds

Chicago’s Infamous Rat Problem Won’t Go Away Under Current Plan, Audit Finds

July 29, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

A recent audit found that Chicago’s current rat control program mainly reacts to complaints by poisoning rats instead of using long-term methods to reduce rat populations. The report suggests the city should monitor rat problems more closely and address the reasons rats thrive, like poor sanitation, for better long-term results.

Key Facts

  • The audit covered Chicago’s rat control efforts from July 2023 to July 2024.
  • The Department of Streets and Sanitation focused on poisoning rats after complaints rather than using a full pest management strategy.
  • A recommended method, Integrated Pest Management, involves monitoring rat populations and addressing root causes but was not fully used.
  • The city treated individual 311 complaints as triggers to act, rather than looking at the bigger problem overall.
  • The sanitation department says it has made some improvements since the audit.
  • Rat complaints peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic but have been decreasing since 2021.
  • Chicago has had a long-standing rat problem and was recently named the second “rattiest city” in the U.S. by a pest control company.
  • The audit recommends that the city take a more proactive and systematic approach to controlling rats.
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AP News
Militants attack a Pakistani police post and kill 5 officers in a northwestern province

Militants attack a Pakistani police post and kill 5 officers in a northwestern province

July 29, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Militants attacked a police post in the Hangu district of northwestern Pakistan, killing five police officers and injuring about 24 others. Police killed four attackers during the fight, and no group has claimed responsibility, though the Pakistani Taliban is suspected.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened on Wednesday in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Afghanistan.
  • Five police officers were killed and around 24 were wounded, some seriously.
  • Police killed four of the militants during the ongoing gunbattle.
  • No group claimed the attack, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is suspected.
  • Pakistan’s military reported killing 32 militants in recent operations across northwest and southwest Pakistan.
  • The TTP has increased attacks on Pakistani security forces recently.
  • The TTP is allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which returned to power in 2021.
  • Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering TTP militants, but Afghanistan denies this.
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AP News
Investigation revealed ‘devastating’ reports of sexual misconduct at school supported by Epstein

Investigation revealed ‘devastating’ reports of sexual misconduct at school supported by Epstein

July 29, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

An investigation found many reports of sexual misconduct at Interlochen Center for the Arts, a Michigan school supported by Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex offender. The school uncovered allegations against nearly 50 faculty and staff members, including two involving Epstein’s inappropriate behavior.

Key Facts

  • Interlochen Center for the Arts hired a law firm in 2024 to investigate sexual abuse reports by faculty and staff.
  • The investigation grew to include reports related to Jeffrey Epstein, who donated over $400,000 to the school.
  • Two women said Epstein acted in a sexual way toward them while they were students, including one incident at a lodge named after him.
  • The investigation collected 70 accounts of sexual misconduct by 47 staff members from the 1950s through the 2010s.
  • The school removed Epstein’s name from the lodge after his 2008 sex offense conviction and later demolished the building.
  • Interlochen shared the names of accused individuals with local authorities; none currently work at the school, and many are deceased.
  • School leaders apologized to victims and stated that Interlochen now has strict safety policies and a changed culture.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a student at Interlochen in 1967 and played the bassoon.
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AP News
Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta

July 29, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, creating overcrowded conditions at reception centers. Spanish authorities and rescue services are working to manage the situation, but the number of arrivals has been unusually high in recent days.

Key Facts

  • More than 1,500 migrants, including adults and children, recently reached Ceuta by swimming from Morocco.
  • The reception centers in Ceuta are full and overcrowded.
  • Some migrants have died attempting the crossing, with about 60 bodies seen at sea in the last year.
  • Spanish authorities including the Civil Guard and Red Cross use boats to rescue swimmers and bring them to Ceuta.
  • Most migrants are Moroccans, with some Algerians who lived in Morocco.
  • A recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling protects migrants arriving by sea from immediate pushbacks without legal process.
  • The cause of the recent surge is unclear, though some link it to diplomatic tensions between Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.
  • Ceuta is a small Spanish city located at the northern tip of Morocco and serves as a key border crossing point.
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AP News
Senate Democrats press Meta on AI safeguards for ‘at-risk users’

Senate Democrats press Meta on AI safeguards for ‘at-risk users’

July 29, 2026 • Technology • The Hill

Summary

Two Democratic senators sent a letter to Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, asking what safety measures it has for users who might be vulnerable to problems caused by artificial intelligence (AI). They are worried because scams using AI are growing in the United States, especially affecting older adults.

Key Facts

  • Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Mark Kelly, members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, wrote to Meta.
  • They want to know how Meta protects "at-risk users," such as older adults who may have cognitive changes.
  • AI scams, which use artificial intelligence to trick people, are increasing in the U.S.
  • The letter asks Meta to explain what safeguards it has to keep these users safe.
  • Meta owns major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where many users might be affected.
  • The concern is that users with memory or thinking difficulties could be more easily fooled by AI-generated content or scams.
  • The Senate Special Committee on Aging focuses on issues that affect older Americans.
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